So many of us start of January 1st with a list of resolutions that we strive to follow. I used to make the same resolution every year. I realized that making a general resolution was not effective and the best way to make a New Year’s resolution was to write down my intention in a place where I could easily see it every day. Finally, my resolutions became reality! I also realized that, sometimes, it is not the big changes that matter most but, rather, the small things you do on a daily basis that have the biggest impact.

One small change that we can make is to eat more real, whole foods and to cut out the artificial foods. The next several newsletters will discuss artificial foods and why it is important to remove these from our diet.

Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes. As sugar consumption in the United States has increased, so has the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Some common sweeteners used are:

Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet)—is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Since the 1980s, people have been complaining of everything from headaches to brain and mood disorders, such as headaches, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and memory loss among many other symptoms.

Saccharin (Sweet ‘n Low)—is 350 times sweeter than sugar and is used in dietetic foods and as a sugar substitute. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has noted that saccharin causes cancer and increases the potency of cancer-causing chemicals.

Acesulfame K—is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is widely used around the world. Two rat studies suggest that this sweetener causes cancer.

In addition to the brain, mood and other disorders caused by artificial sweeteners, studies have shown that they can actually contribute to weight gain. According to Annemarie Colbin, founder of the Natural Gourmet Institute and author, teacher, lecturer and wellness consultant, “Artificial Sweeteners can increase appetite because as the sweet taste hits the mouth, a message is passed on to the body that carbohydrates are coming in; then the pancreas swings into action and sends insulin into the bloodstream. As there are no actual carbohydrates, the insulin lowers the blood sugar and appetite increases. In this manner, artificial sweeteners can contribute to hypoglycemia.” (Free Spirit Magazine, October & November 1996).

The best thing to do is stick to real, whole sugars and limit sugar intake. The best sugars to use are:

I am the mother of four daughters and a Certified Health Counselor, as well as a passionate advocate of organic and local food and a healthy lifestyle. I decided to become a health counselor to fulfill my passion of working with children and parents to improve their health and family life. Learn more about me at healthytiffin.net/about.html